TOKYO
Melbourne in Australia remains the only city in the world to have this week topped the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index for the fifth year in a row.
The annual ranking looks at living conditions in 140 cities across the globe by assigning a rating across five broad categories, including: stability; healthcare; culture and environment; education; and infrastructure.
Ranked first, Melbourne cemented its positions with a perfect score of 100 in healthcare, education and infrastructure and within the culture and environment basket, a perfect 100 on sport underlining the Victorian Government’s continued investment in these priority areas.
The capital of Victoria State, Melbourne has consistently appeared in the top five cities since the ranking’s inception in 2002, and has taken out the top spot in the index for the past five years in a row.
Adam Cunneen, Commissioner to Japan at the Victoria Government Business Office Tokyo, said: “By winning this global award for five consecutive years, Melbourne is proud to show the world that its development and standards are highly sustainable and very attractive to residents, businesspeople and tourists alike.”
In the five years that Melbourne has retained its number one spot, the number of international visitors to Victoria has increased by 8.0% per year, compared to the national annual average of 4.7 %.
Similarly, tourist expenditure in Victoria increased by 8.8% per year compared to a 5.2% per year increase nationally.
Mr Cunneen said: “To keep Victoria number one we need to keep investing in the future. In 2015-16 the Victorian Government invested $20 billion in major transport infrastructure and a further $5.4 billion in health and education to create more jobs and grow our economy.”
Melbourne is also rated Australia’s best city to study; the world’s second-top city for international students; and the “World’s Friendliest City.” Melbourne was also voted one of the best new cities for business by Fortune magazine, and is ranked the third most entrepreneurial city by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.
“Melbourne offers an enviable lifestyle—some of the best sports and major events, the best artists and creative minds, the best universities and schools, the best entrepreneurs and ideas, world-class and well-connected infrastructure and a strong economy—what’s not to love!”
Victoria State, meanwhile, has been drawing strong interest from Japan and other countries recently for its superior education, lamb, table grapes, other healthy foods, and general investment following this year’s launch of the landmark Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement.
Japan is a key destination for Victorian suppliers, which are recognised worldwide as secure, reliable and competitive producers of safe, fresh and diverse food and beverages. The state exports to more than 100 countries, with the major food sectors including dairy, meat, confectionery, horticulture, wine, seafood and a range of organic foods.
About Melbourne and Victoria State
Melbourne is home to people from 235 countries and regions. Melbourne’s 4 million people enjoy an enviable lifestyle with outstanding arts, food and wine, shopping, and diverse sporting and leisure opportunities. Victoria State, with a population of 5.8 million, is the innovation and knowledge powerhouse of Australia.
Victoria State is open for business, with an AAA-rated economy larger than that of Singapore or Hong Kong. While Victoria accounts for only 3 per cent of Australia’s landmass, it is responsible for 22 per cent of Australia’s economic activity.
Built on a tradition of exporting, its exports totalled A$35.1 billion in 2013–14. International education generated A$5.3 billion in export earnings and supported over 30,000 jobs, making it Victoria’s largest services export sector.
Here are five things about Melbourne you probably don’t know: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psQ0mg2fj8M&feature=youtu.be
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150819005561/en/
CONTACT
Victorian Government Business Office Tokyo
Adam Cunneen, +81 3 3519
3371
Commissioner to Japan
tokyo@invest.vic.gov.au
